Picnics have long been enjoyed as a popular summer pastime.

With the warmer weather approaching, days getting longer and the hope of summer on the horizon, it’s time to start planning a wealth of ways to enjoy the sunshine.

Picnics are a great activity you can enjoy with friends or family and are a particularly fun leisure experience for the kids.

In a recent poll, it was voted that the most popular alfresco locations for picnics were city parks and the countryside, followed closely by beaches.

The word picnic, or ‘pique-nique’, was thought to be invented by the French, combining the words piquer, “to pick at food”, and nique referring to something small.

Although the picnic has its origins in medieval hunting feasts, which consisted of meats and pastries, it was popularized by the Victorians with the idea of garden parties which grew into the image that we associate as a picnic today.

In order to create the perfect picnic, preparation is the key.

A recent infographic, created by Swissotel Hotel & Resorts, is a wonderful reference in the run up to summer, providing some fun, easy and creative ideas for personalizing your picnic experience.

With unique suggestions ranging from the multiple uses of cupcake cases to numerous recipes for homemade insect repellent, there are sure to be a few solid takeaways for even the most experienced of alfresco diners.

There’s even a handy step-by-step diagram for building your own homemade barbecue from a terracotta pot and another for crafting a personal cutlery holder.

So whether it’s knowing the best foods hacks or the precise way to pack your hamper, check out this infographic to learn some essential tips and tricks for optimizing your ultimate picnic experience.